President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with the leader of the Crimean Tatar people, human rights activist, MP of Ukraine, prominent political and public figure Mustafa Dzhemilev, who turns 80 today.
The Head of State congratulated Mustafa Dzhemilev on the anniversary and thanked him for upholding the interests of our state and his struggle for the rights of Crimean Tatars.
"I want to thank you for standing with us in this struggle. I wish you good health to see our just victory, the restoration of Ukraine's territorial integrity and sovereignty. Crimea is Ukraine," Volodymyr Zelenskyy said and added that it was a pleasure to congratulate him personally on the anniversary.
For his outstanding personal contribution to the establishment and development of an independent Ukrainian state, courage and dedication in upholding the rights of the Crimean Tatar people, and many years of fruitful political and public activity, the President awarded Mustafa Dzhemilev the title of Hero of Ukraine and the Order of the State.
The leader of the Crimean Tatar people said that he is honored to receive the highest award, as over the past two years of full-scale war, it is awarded to the warriors who defend the freedom, territorial integrity and independence of Ukraine at the cost of their lives.
"In such circumstances, this award is of great significance to me. It is also a great moral support for our compatriots who have been under occupation for the tenth year already," he said.
Mustafa Dzhemilev thanked the President for all the important work carried out with his support to protect the rights of Crimean Tatars.
"Your words that this war cannot be over until the last square meter of our territory is liberated give us confidence that we will gain freedom. I am 80 years old today, and I have one more dream on this earth: to return to my homeland and be buried on my land. And your firm stance on our territorial integrity gives me confidence that this will definitely come true. Thank you for this high award. Glory to Ukraine!" Mustafa Dzhemilev said.